Emergency Procedures
East Tennessee State University
Fire
If fire or smoke is discovered, notify the
fire department or Public Safety
immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or 9-4480.
Go to the nearest stairwell or exit door
and leave the building immediately.
Pull the fire alarm as you leave the
building.
Do not use the elevators!
Assist disabled persons out of the
building. If unable to exit the bldg. due
to severe mobility impairment, he or she
should be directed to the nearest
stairwell landing to await the arrival of
emergency personnel. Campus Police
and the Johnson City Fire Department
must be notified immediately upon
arrival, identifying the location of the
individual.
Go to the Designated Assembly Area.
Do not re-enter the bldg. unless directed
by emergency response officials.
Evacuation
Information
Become familiar with the evacuation
diagrams located in the hallways
throughout the building to identify your
nearest evacuation route.
Remain calm; follow emergency
guidelines and directions given by
emergency personnel.
If the fire alarm has been activated, go
to the nearest stairwell or exit door and
leave the building immediately.
Assist disabled persons out of the
building. In the event a person with a
disability cannot be immediately
evacuated from the building, he or she
should be directed to the nearest
stairwell landing to await the arrival of
emergency personnel. ETSU Campus
Police and/or the Johnson City Fire
Department must be notified
immediately upon arrival, identifying the
location of the individual.
Go to the Designated Assembly Area as
indicated below.
Do not re-enter the bldg. unless directed
by emergency response officials.
During a Tornado Warning
Move to a basement, or
First floor interior hallway, or
Restroom or other enclosed small areas
away from large class areas.
Get under sturdy furniture.
Stay away from windows.
If caught outside, crouch in a nearby
ditch or close to the ground.
During a Severe
Thunderstorm Warning
Immediately go inside for protection.
Stay away from windows, water faucets
and other plumbing fixtures.
Do not use telephone, television, or
computers since lightning can travel
through connecting wiring.
If outside – stay away from tall trees
and other objects that are likely to be
struck by lightning.
If caught in an open field, crouch in a
ditch or close to the ground.
Hazardous Materials
Release
Evacuate
o
o
o
Leave spill area immediately.
Remove personnel from danger of
spill.
Alert other building occupants.
Power Outage
For information about a prolonged
outage, go to www.etsu.edu for an
ETSU alert, or listen to your radio
at WETS-FM, 89.5, for up-to-the
minute information.
Confine
o
o
o
o
Designated Assembly
Area for Burgin Dossett
Severe Weather
Block area to unnecessary
personnel.
Use doors to contain vapors.
Shutdown ventilation systems
where possible.
Use hood to exhaust vapors.
Help co-workers in darkened areas
move to safe locations.
Unplug personal computers.
Take personal belongings if
instructed to leave the building.
Notify
o
Public Safety@911 or 9-4480,
Facilities Management@9-7900,
and Environmental Health &
Safety Office@9-6028.
Secure any hazardous materials or
equipment before leaving.
Follow instructions of emergency personnel.
When You Hear Campus Warning Sirens
Listen carefully!
o Follow all instructions.
If you cannot hear the message being broadcast across the campus emergency system:
o Get to a computer and go to www.etsu.edu for an ETSU alert, Or
o
Listen to your radio at WETS-FM, 89.5, for up-to-the-minute information, Or
o Check your email or cell phone for a GoldAlert Emergency Text Message.
1
General Campus Emergency Procedures
All faculty, staff, and students should familiarize themselves with the university’s
general emergency procedures. They are posted in all ETSU buildings. These
procedures give students, faculty, and staff specific information about what to do
in the event of fire, severe weather, power outages, and hazardous material
releases. The posting also provides specific procedures to follow for building
evacuation and response to the campus emergency notification system. The
example above are posted emergency procedures from Burgin E Dossett Hall.
Emergency Response Procedures
Fire
When there is a fire or smoke (of any size or quantity) in your building, initiate your
Building Evacuation Plan.
Building Evacuation Steps
Activate the building Fire Alarm
Notify Public Safety – Dial 911 or 9-4480
Ensure All Occupants are Notified
Begin Evacuation – Use Stairwells, NOT Elevators
Ensure All Occupants Have Evacuated
Instruct all occupants to go to Designated Reassembly
Area
Instruct occupants to Not re-enter the Building Unless
Directed by Emergency Response Officials
Verify Accountability of Building Occupants
Report any Discrepancies to the Officer-In-Charge
2
Fire Safety
Fire Extinguishers
University employees should only use fire extinguishers under the following conditions:
The fire is small enough to be handled by an extinguisher.
Employee knows what type of fire it is.
Employee has an unobstructed escape route should they fail to suppress the fire
with the extinguisher.
Employee knows the type of extinguisher to use.
Extinguisher classifications are:
Class A - for ordinary combustibles (i.e., materials that produce ashes when
burned, like wood, paper, cloth and rubber).
Class B - for flammable liquids (i.e., materials that are usually stored in barrels).
Class C - for electrical fires.
Class D - for combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, lithium and
sodium.
Some extinguishers have multiple ratings (e.g., AB BC or ABC). These can be used for
more than one type of fire. But remember that it's dangerous to use water or any
extinguisher labeled 'for Class A fire only" on oil, grease or electrical fires.
Evacuation Plans
Evacuation plans and procedures ensure all occupants know how to exit their building
and where to reassemble. Please familiarize yourself with the posted emergency
procedures and evacuation diagrams in your building.
Fire Containment
Fire doors shall remain closed unless they are equipped with automatic closing
devices.
Ventilation systems controls shall be tested for activation when exposed to
smoke or extreme heat.
Fire Prevention
Multiple, UL-approved outlet cords, equipped with an internal surge protector, are
authorized for office and departmental use.
Ensure that waste and combustible materials are kept to the minimum.
3
Flammable materials should be stored in a properly labeled flame resistant
cabinet.
Do not overload outlets with multiple outlet cords or multiple plug adapters.
Keep closets free of old rags, paper or other combustible odds and ends.
Keep all walkways and stairwells free from obstructions at all times.
Fire doors shall remain closed unless they are equipped with automatic closing
devices.
Ensure all hazardous and flammable substances are properly stored.
Bomb and Other Threat Procedures
Any Individual Receiving a Bomb Threat Call
Should
1. Remain Calm.
2. Keep the caller on the line. Ask the specific
questions listed on the Bomb Check List –
see next page.
3. Ask the location of the bomb and the time of
detonation.
4. Tell the caller the building is occupied and
detonation would result in death and
serious injury to innocent people.
5. Pay particular attention to background
noises.
6. Listen closely to the caller’s voice.
7. If practicable, have another person listen in
on the bomb threat call.
8. Immediately notify the Public Safety Office,
(911, or 9-4480).
4
Bomb and Other Threat Check List
Questions to Ask:
When is bomb going to explode? ____________________________________________
Where is it right now? _____________________________________________________
What does it look like? ____________________________________________________
What kind of bomb is it? ___________________________________________________
What will cause it to explode? ______________________________________________
Did you place the bomb? __________________________________________________
Why? _________________________________________________________________
What is your name? ______________________________________________________
What is your address? ____________________________________________________
THREAT LANGUAGE
Foul
Taped
Educated
Incoherent
EXACT WORDING OF THE THREAT:
Well-Spoken
Length of call: __________ Number at which call
is received: _____________ Time: ___________
Date:
Irrational
CALLER’S VOICE
BACKGROUND SOUNDS
Female
Male
Age
Calm
Crying
Deep
Angry
Normal
Ragged
Cracking Voice
Deep Breathing
Clearing Throat
Slow
Slurred
Distinct
Rapid
Nasal
Excited
Soft
Stutter
Disguised
Loud
Lisp
Accent
Laughter
Raspy
Familiar
If voice is familiar, who does it sound like?
Crockery
Voices
Music
Office Machinery
Street Noises
Long Distance
Factory Noises
House Noises
Other:
Immediately provide this information to ETSU Public Safety, 439-4480.
5
Booth
Clear
Motor
Suspicious Mail
If You Receive or Open Suspicious Mail
Don’t Panic!
Do not shake or empty the contents of the envelope or package.
Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other
type of container.
If the package or letter has been opened and powder spills out,
do not attempt to clean it up. Keep others away from the area.
If you do not have a container, cover the envelope or package
with anything and do not remove this cover.
Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area.
Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any
powder to your face.
Call Public Safety 911, or 9-4480.
Characteristics of Suspicious Mail (See Following Page)
Unexpected or form someone unfamiliar to you
Foreign Mail, Air Mail and Special delivery
Insufficient or excessive postage
Incorrect titles
Titles, but no name
Misspellings of common words
Handwritten, poorly typed or cut-and-paste lettering
Oily stains, discolorations or odor
No return address or address that can not be verified as
legitimate
Return address and postmark not from same area
Excessive weight
Lopsided, uneven or rigid envelope
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
Visual distractions
Sloshing, buzzing or ticking sound
Restrictive markings such as Personal, Confidential, Rush
Delivery, etc.
Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return
address.
6
7
Homeland Security
The world has changed since September 11, 2001. These terrorist attacks and the
subsequent bioterrorist releases of anthrax, brutally taught our nation that workplaces
may become targets and that all employees need to be concerned with and aware of
potential threats. To help everyone evaluate these threats, the Homeland Security
Advisory System was established. At all Threat Conditions, we must remain vigilant,
prepared, and ready to deter terrorist attacks.
1. Low Condition (Green). This condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist
attacks. Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general
measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures they develop and
implement:
Refining and exercising as appropriate preplanned Protective Measures;
8
Ensuring personnel receive proper training on the Homeland Security Advisory
System and specific preplanned department or agency Protective Measures; and
Institutionalizing a process to assure that all facilities and regulated sectors are
regularly assessed for vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks, and all reasonable
measures are taken to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
2. Guarded Condition (Blue). This condition is declared when there is a general risk of
terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat
Condition, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general
measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop
and implement:
Checking communications with designated emergency response or command
locations;
Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and
Providing the public with any information that would strengthen its ability to act
appropriately.
3. Elevated Condition (Yellow). An Elevated Condition is declared when there is a
significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the
previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the
following general measures in addition to the Protective Measures that they will develop
and implement:
Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
Coordinating emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions;
Assessing whether the precise characteristics of the threat require the further
refinement of preplanned Protective Measures; and
Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.
4. High Condition (Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of
terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat
Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general
measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop
and implement:
Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces
organizations;
Taking additional precautions at public events and possibly considering
alternative venues or even cancellation;
Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate
site or dispersing their workforce; and
Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel only.
9
5. Severe Condition (Red). A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks.
Under most circumstances, the Protective Measures for a Severe Condition are not
intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time. In addition to the Protective
Measures in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies also
should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific
Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:
Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs;
Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning and mobilizing
specially trained teams or resources;
Monitoring, redirecting, or constraining transportation systems; and
Closing public and government facilities.
Terrorism
Terrorism is any “violent or criminal act against a civilian population for the purpose of
coercion, and promoting a political cause or agenda.” Terrorism can range from acts of
sabotage and vandalism to the use of chemical, biological, or radioactive weapons.
Preparation
Learn about the different types of terrorist weapons including explosives,
kidnapping, hijacking, arson, and shootings.
Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques
used to prepare for other crises.
Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism
suggests that there may be little or no warning.
Be familiar with your building evacuation plan, emergency exits and stairwells.
During
In a building explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible. If
items are falling off the bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or
desk.
If there is a fire:
Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand and forearm to feel
the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself
against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, do not open the doorseek an alternate escape route.
10
Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the
smoke at all times.
After
If you are trapped in debris:
Use a flashlight
Stay in your area so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a
handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if
one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to
inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed
building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
Terrorism is defined as the use of force or violence against persons or property in
violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion
or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to
convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get
immediate publicity for their causes.
Terrorism in the United States
In the United States, most terrorist incidents have involved small extremist groups who
use terrorism to achieve a designated objective. Local, State and Federal law
enforcement officials monitor suspected terrorist groups and try to prevent or protect
against a suspected attack. Before the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and
the Pentagon, most terrorist incidents in the United States were restricted to bombing
attacks, involving detonated and undetonated explosive devices, tear gas and pipe or
fire bombs. The effects of terrorism can vary significantly from loss of life and injuries to
property damage and disruptions in services such as electricity, water supply, public
transportation and communications.
Biological Threats
Biological agents are infectious microbes or toxins used to produce illness or death in
peoples, animals or plants. Biological agents can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne
particles. Terrorists may use biological agents to contaminate food or water because
they are extremely difficult to detect. Chemical agents kill or incapacitate people,
destroy livestock or ravage crops. Some chemical agents are odorless and tasteless
and are difficult to detect. They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few
minutes) or a delayed effect (several hours to several days).
The biological agents most likely to be used in an effort to intentionally cause disease
11
are smallpox, anthrax, botulinum toxin, plague, tularemia and various viral pathogens.
Specific vaccines or antitoxins exist only for the first three. They are strictly controlled
by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Defense and are
neither recommended nor available to the general public. The CDC in the event of an
outbreak would release the securely stored supplies of smallpox vaccine and botulinum
toxin.
In addition, antibiotics are available for effective treatment or prevention of anthrax,
plague and tularemia after exposure. However, the CDC and other public health
authorities are not recommending the stockpiling of medication in anticipation of an
attack. As part of its National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Program (NPSP), the CDC has
developed a cache of antibiotics, vaccines and other appropriate medical supplies, to be
able to reach victims of an incident anywhere in the United States within 12 hours and
have enough antibiotics for example, to prevent anthrax in two million people.
Currently, no vaccines or effective treatments are available for various viral pathogens
such as Ebola; only supportive measures are used to treat symptoms after they
develop.
Chemical Threats
The list of possible agents used as chemical weapons is too long to enumerate here,
but include mustard gases, phosgene and nerve gases. Specific treatments and
antidotes such as atropine are available for some exposures, while only supportive
measures can be provided for others. Emergency kits with appropriate treatments and
antidotes are available and usually stocked by hospitals, ambulances and other
emergency personnel
12
Chemical Spill Response
Although the following tactics are prioritized in terms of usual preferred action
sequences, each spill incident is unique and involves persons with varying levels of spill
expertise and experience. Thus, for any individual incident, isolation of the spill and
securing the area might best occur prior to or simultaneously with contacting Public
Safety.
Chemical Emergency Response
Evacuate
Leave spill area immediately.
Remove personnel from danger of spill.
Alert other building occupants.
Confine
Block area to unnecessary personnel.
Use absorbents to contain liquids.
Use doors to contain vapors.
Shutdown ventilation system where possible.
Use hood to exhaust vapors.
Notify
Public Safety
Physical Plant
Health & Safety
Supervisors
Clean Up Spill
Use appropriate protective equipment and
supplies to clean up the spill.
For further information, consult the ETSU
Hazardous Waste Management Guide.
13
Contact Public Safety for Assistance
Identify the location of the spill and if known, the chemical spilled.
Contact Physical Plant when assistance is needed to turn off ventilation systems.
Don’t panic! Always send for help first, if possible.
If the spill resents an immediate danger, leave the spill site and warn others, control
entry to the spill site, and wait for Public Safety.
Where personnel are contaminated, remove contaminated clothing and flush
skin/eyes with water at least 15 minutes. Use soap for intermediate and final
cleaning of skin areas.
Protect yourself, then remove injured person(s) to fresh air, if safe to do so.
Notify nearby persons and evacuate as necessary. Prevent entry, as necessary, by
posting a guard in a safe area and/or by shutting doors.
If flammable vapor are involved, do not operate electrical switches unless to turn off
motorized equipment. Try to turn off or remove heat sources, where safe to do so.
Do not touch the spill without protective clothing.
Where the spill does not present immediate personal danger, dry to control the
spread or volume of the spill. This could mean shutting a door, moving nearby
equipment to prevent further contamination, repositioning an overturned container or
one that has a hole in the bottom or side, creating a dike by putting an absorbent
around a spill or opening the sashes on the fume hoods to facilitate removal of
vapors.
Never assume gases or vapors do not exist or are harmless because of lack of
smell.
Increase ventilation by opening fume hood sashes to the 12-inch of full open
position. Exterior doors may be opened to ventilate non-toxic vapors.
Use absorbents to collect substances. Reduce vapor concentrations by covering the
surface of the liquid spill with absorbent. Control enlargement of the spill area by
diking with absorbent.
Emergency Spills
A chemical spill is classified as an Emergency Spill whenever it:
Causes personal injury or chemical exposure that requires medical attention;
Causes a fire hazard or uncontrollable volatility;
Requires a need for breathing apparatus of the supplied air or self-contained type to
handle the material involved;
Involves or contaminates a public area;
Causes airborne contamination that requires local or building evacuation;
Causes a spill that cannot be controlled or isolated by laboratory personnel;
Causes damage to university property that will require repairs;
Involves any quantity of metallic mercury;
Cannot be properly handled due to lack of local trained personnel and/or equipment
to perform a safe, effective cleanup; or
Involves an unknown substance.
14
Minor Spills
Minor spills are those spills, which do not fit the requirements for Emergency Spills.
The following general procedures should be used for minor spills.
Attend to any persons who may have been contaminated. If any personnel should
require medical attention this is an Emergency Spill.
Notify persons in the immediate area about the spill.
Evacuate all nonessential personnel from the spill area.
If the spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources.
Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled material. If respiratory protection is necessary
this is an Emergency Spill.
Leave on or establish exhaust ventilation if it is safe to do so.
Secure supplies to effect cleanup.
Don appropriate personnel protective equipment.
Spilled Liquids
Confine or contain the spill to a small area. Do not let it spread.
For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases, use a neutralizing agent or an
absorbent mixture (e.g., soda ash or diatomaceous earth). For small quantities of
other material, absorb the spill with a non-reactive material (such as vermiculite,
clay, dry sand, or towels).
For larger amounts of inorganic acids and bases, flush with large amounts of water
(providing the water will not cause additional damage). Flooding is not
recommended in storerooms where violent spattering may cause additional hazards
or in areas where water-reactive chemicals may be present.
Carefully pick up and clean any cartons or bottles that have been splashed or
immersed.
If the spilled material is extremely volatile, let it evaporate and be exhausted by the
laboratory hood (provided that the hood is authorized for use with the spilled
chemical).
Spilled Solids
Generally, sweep spilled solids of low toxicity into a dustpan and place them into a
container suitable for that chemical.
Dispose of residues according to safe disposal procedures, remembering that personal
protective equipment, brooms, dustpans, and other items may require special disposal
procedures. Contact Health & Safety for disposal assistance.
15
Severe Weather
Action To Take During A Tornado
Warning
1. Move to a pre-designated shelter, or
2. Basement, or
3. First floor interior hallway, or
4. Restroom or other enclosed small
areas away from large glass areas.
5. Get under sturdy furniture.
6. Stay away from windows.
7. If caught outside, crouch in a nearby
ditch or close to the ground.
Action’s To Take During a Tornado
Watch
1. Keep alert to the weather and
approaching storms.
2. Be prepared to take emergency shelter.
A Tornado Watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable to the formation of
tornados.
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by weather
radar.
16
During a Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Immediately go inside for protection.
Stay away from windows, water faucets
and other plumbing fixtures.
Do not use telephone, television, or
computers since lightening can travel
through connecting wiring.
If outside – stay away from tall trees and
other objects that are likely to be struck
by lightening.
If caught in open field, crouch in a ditch
or close to the ground.
During a Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Listen to local weather forecast, WETSFM (89.5) and TV for additional
information.
Be alert to weather conditions and signs
of thunder and lightening.
1.
Be prepared to go to sheltered areas.
17